MAPUSA
In a damning indictment of Goa’s coastal governance, two Morjim fishermen have dragged the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), accusing it of succumbing to powerful interests while a beach club – Bastian Riviera – continues to operate in the No Development Zone (NDZ) despite a clear demolition order.
The petition filed before the NGT’s Western Zone Bench says GCZMA’s enforcement of the CRZ Notification, 2011 has collapsed entirely, allowing a full-fledged bar-restaurant and concrete swimming pool to function right on the Chapora riverbank in Morjim, blocking traditional fishing access.
A demolition order dated September 7 directed the Bardez Deputy Collector to raze the illegal structures within 30 days.
Nearly three months later, nothing has been demolished. Instead, the violators have rolled out a December calendar packed with music events and VIP parties, the petition states.
The fishermen allege that GCZMA’s selective enforcement “smacks of influence,” with violations repeatedly flagged since 2023 but no decisive action taken – even after fresh illegal construction was reported as recently as July 2025.
The fishermen say the official silence and inaction raise serious doubts as to whether “influential persons or powerful interests” are shielding the project.
The NGT application seeks sealing of the premises, immediate execution of the demolition order and naming of GCZMA officials who failed to act.
This case is the latest in a string of controversies where GCZMA has been criticised for slow, selective – or completely absent – implementation of its own directions against high-profile violators in coastal belts.
For Morjim’s traditional fishermen, the issue is not just environmental degradation but loss of livelihood and systematic erasure of their access routes by powerful hospitality players.
Whether the NGT will finally spur action in a case where the State authorities have allegedly dragged their feet remains to be seen.
TIMELINE
2023
* Complaint filed by traditional fishermen
* GCZMA inspection, show-cause issued
2024
* Hearings continue; violations persist
* One plot still under active scrutiny
2025
July: Fresh violations spotted (new construction + swimming pool)
Sep 7: Demolition order issued
Oct–Nov: Two representations flag non-compliance
– Club announces events; venue operational
Nov 30: Fishermen approach NGT
Key demands at NGT
* Seal the entire premises of Bastian Riviera immediately
* Enforce the demolition order of September 7 within two weeks
* Name GCZMA officials who handled the case and failed to act
* Initiate disciplinary action for non-implementation of CRZ Notification, 2011
* Stop all commercial activity in Survey Nos 118 & adjoining sub-divisions
